In this parasha we see Moses crying out for true comradeship in his calling and journey - while already well into the journey, and already surrounded by people. He cries out for real, deep connection - to people - and to God's direct presence. What is the meaning of these outcries from a man already deeply into God's Presence and already surrounded by family and 'friends ..read more

In the Haftarah paired with this week's parasha "Tazria," we see two stories of apparently opposite behavior by the prophet, Elisha (the successor of Elijah). A very "relaxed" standard toward a certain instance of idol worship by Naaman, followed by a very severe standard his servant Gehazi when he sought to enrich himself. If we read deeply, we find clear reasons for the vast difference in kindness vs. severity ..read more

An examination of specific examples of denominational theologies having produced inaccurate translations: and a recounting of my lunch with the late Dr, Alan F. Segal, PhD, professor of religion at Columbia University in New York City, in which he and I explored a"tortured text" – a skewed translation of Mark 7:19 in regard to kosher laws affecting Jewish perpetuity ..read more

The old song goes, "In every age, a hero or sage comes to our aid." Why? Because we need them! Let's explore having the clarity to see what is needed in our era, and rise to do it! Kadima! Am Yisrael Chai ..read more

In the Haftarah with this week's Torah portion, "Pekudei" we see the character trait modeled in God that He almost never needs to "swear" or "promise" anything: just saying "it will be" is enough. This is a character trait we, as God-followers, are commanded to emulate: both Messiah Yeshua and his half-brother Ya'acov ("James") command us, "Do not swear. Let your 'yes' mean (only) 'yes' and your 'no' mean only 'no.' Anything other than that comes from evil." WOW. That is a character-standard worth exploring, and applying to our own words! So - let's ..read more

Why are you ... you? What does your combination of strengths and weaknesses, abilities and inabilities all mean? This week's sermon is a "fusion" to two core ideas: from the Parasha "Vayakhel," the extremely specific intention with which God created the artist Bezalel, and placed him in the time and location to fulfill the reasons for his createdness – along with Yeshua the Messiah having assured us, "I will not leave you as orphans: I will come to you," giving us the "Paraclete" – God's spirit "called alongside" to guide us into all truth, help us. This all leads to the assurance we can "know ..read more

Rav Saul wrote, "I did not shrink from declaring to you 'the whole counsel of God.'" Why would any spiritual leader "shrink from" declaring to his flock "the whole" of God's prophetic output? This week's parasha commands us to "see to it you build according to the pattern." The whole pattern. How do we get it, and what traps can we avoid that would leave us with only part of it ..read more

In this week's parasha, "Mishpatim" there is an apparent non-sequitur. A leap from broadly applying religious practice laws to very specific cooking advice. Is it really a non-sequitur? Or – is it the God of the Entire Universe "going local" with advice creating certainty as to a particular time, place, practice, or project of His will underway? We explore ..read more

Fear is a natural part of our overall composition as humans. Like any part of our nature, it can be either healthy or unhealthy, proportional and rational, or disproportionate and irrational. What does Scripture say about healthy and unhealthy fear -- especially in relation to God? It turns out ... quite a lot. We explore this content this week, driven by the Torah portion, "YItro ..read more

This sermon comes from the Haftarah text for this week's portion on "Shabbat Shirah." The battle for Israel's survival was on - Devorah, Barak, and the Army of Israel, especially the tribes of Issachar and Zevulun, were all ON the battlefield, and the battle had already begun. But – the tribes of Reuben and Dan were hanging back ... showing themselves (in their own view) to be "spiritual" or "wise" ... with "plausible" excuses to be away from any risk to life, limb, or property. What is this Haftarah teaching us ..read more